FIFA World Cup 2026

I'm just stunned how nice the weather in SEA is. Of all the trips up there, it's rained more often than not. The Belgian and Egyptian visitors are hopefully enjoying it.
 

Iran team arrive in US for World Cup opener as the two nations reach peace deal​


Coach says team hopes to bring joy to Iranians everywhere

Reuters
June 15, 2026

photo reuters


Photo: REUTERS

LOS ANGELES: Iran's soccer team arrived in the United States for the first time at this World Cup on Sunday, landing at Los Angeles International Airport and holding a press conference on the same day that ‌a peace deal between the two nations was announced.

The Iran squad arrived after a short flight from Tijuana, Mexico, where they left their base camp earlier to a rousing sendoff ahead of their opening game against New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium on Monday.

"I am very happy to be representing the great, proud and strong nation of Iran," Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said through a translator in a press conference at the stadium.

"I hope that football will bring about joy and enjoyment, and bring closer the cultures and countries."

The squad's Group G fixture against New Zealand will be played against the backdrop of the U.S. war with Iran and the newly-announced peace deal, adding a charged atmosphere to a contest between two nations who have never ⁠met at a World Cup.

Iran moved their World Cup base camp from a sports complex in Arizona to Mexico late last month after the U.S. and Israel conducted joint strikes on Iran beginning in late February.
 
1781552660798.png

At a glance

  • Reigning European champions Spain held by World Cup debutants Cape Verde
  • Goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, stars for side 67th in latest Fifa rankings
  • Lamine Yamal comes off Spain bench for first appearance since 22 April
  • Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon makes fine save from Diney Borges in closing stages
Phil Cartwright
BBC Sport journalist

Debutants Cape Verde produced one of the biggest World Cup shocks of recent times by holding Spain to a goalless draw in Atlanta.

The third-smallest country in terms of population to qualify for a World Cup, Cape Verde were 67th in Fifa's latest rankings and many expected them to be swept aside by second-ranked Spain in their opening Group H contest.

However, the reigning European champions were laboured in attack for long spells and on the occasions Spain threatened the Cape Verde goal, 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha kept them at bay with numerous fine saves.

The introduction of Lamine Yamal as a second-half substitute injected life into his side and the Spain fans inside the stadium, but the Barcelona teenager - making his first appearance for almost eight weeks following his recovery from a hamstring injury - could not produce a decisive moment on his World Cup debut.

Ferran Torres wasted Spain's best chance in the first half, connecting with Marc Cucurella's header back across the six-yard box, but hitting the crossbar under pressure from Vozinha.
 
Jonty Colman
BBC Sport journalist

Only nine players aged 40 and over have ever featured in men's World Cup games in the tournament's 96-year history - two of which have been at this year's tournament.

Egypt goalkeeper Essam El Hadary holds the record for the oldest player to ever appear in a World Cup match, at the age of 45 years and 161 days.

El Hadary made one appearance at the 2018 World Cup during a 2-1 group stage defeat to Saudi Arabia to set the record by more than two years.

But El Hadary's record looks safe for this year as Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, 43, is so far the oldest player to be named in a full squad this year by some distance.

Should he feature this summer at what will be Scotland's first World Cup appearance in 28 years, the Hearts stopper would become the second-oldest player in World Cup history.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo could also join the exclusive club of players to have featured at 41 or above, should he play in what will be his record-breaking sixth World Cup.

Only El Hadary, former Colombia number one Faryd Mondragon, iconic Cameroon striker Roger Milla and Northern Ireland legend Pat Jennings have made at least one World Cup appearance beyond that age.

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is the first player aged 40 or over to feature at the 2026 World Cup. By starting in his side's 7-1 win over Curacao, he became the seventh oldest player to ever feature in a World Cup.
 
SolarWarden said:
I just don't want it to be Brazil, Italy, Spain or Germany. I wouldn't mind Mexico winning it but it aint happening just like Team USA aint happening.
Click to expand...
I bet you a million dollars it wont be italy 🇮🇹 bro 😉
 
AZ_HighCountry said:
Rebecca Lowe, Pein Muel something or other and the one who was just on. Can't remember her name.
Click to expand...
Rebecca Lowe is a good one, genuinely informed and pleasing on the eye. Used to be Sky or BBC, can't remember. I have can't think of any name close to the other one! Lol!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users who are viewing this thread

  • ... and 2 more.
    • Total: 11 (members: 3, guests: 8)

    Pakistan Defence Latest

    Country Watch Latest

    Latest Posts

    Share this page

    Back
    Top